Qarabag head coach Gurban Gurbanov spoke in detail at a press conference about the current situation within the team, transfer processes, and the fight for the championship, Idman.Biz reports.
Gurbanov noted that interest in Qarabag players has increased significantly in recent times, especially in Azerbaijani footballers. According to him, this creates certain challenges for the club.
“In some cases, the number of agents around players suddenly increases. This worries us. When too many people appear around a footballer, the situation can get out of control. At the same time, there is interest in our players, and it is even higher for local footballers than for foreign ones,” the head coach said.
Speaking about specific names, Gurbanov stressed that there is no cause for concern inside the team.
“The situation with Marko Jankovic is completely normal. In general, there is interest in both our foreign and Azerbaijani players, but I repeat, the interest in local footballers is currently higher,” he added.
Touching on possible transfers, the head coach said he does not expect serious changes to the squad during the winter transfer window.
“I do not expect new players in January and I do not think anyone from the current squad will leave. If we consider strengthening certain positions, it is not because we are dissatisfied with our players. It is done only to improve the quality of the training process and to expand rotation options,” Gurbanov emphasized.
He also spoke about the difficulties Qarabag faces on the transfer market.
“Very often it happens that you reach preliminary agreements, but at the last moment the conditions change. Suddenly the price increases or new demands appear. That is why, until a player is officially signed, it is premature to talk about a transfer,” the specialist noted.
Gurbanov paid special attention to the title race in the Azerbaijan Premier League. He admitted that he feels internal tension throughout the season but underlined that Qarabag have not abandoned their ambitions.
“There has always been a sense of concern inside me. All teams in the championship are very ambitious and motivated. We are happy about their successes on the international stage, but at the same time we do not give up our own ambitions and will fight for the championship until the very end,” Gurbanov stated.
The Qarabag head coach also stressed that failing to win the title in a particular season does not mean abandoning the club’s goals.
“There is no rule that says you must become champions every season. If a club does not win the title, it does not mean it has given up its ambitions. The Premier League is played in conditions of tough competition, the opponents are ambitious and are steadily building their future,” Gurban Gurbanov concluded.
